Dignity: The Bridge Between Us
Over the past year, a spark has been growing in our Montessori community: a desire to bring the Dignity Model into our schools and organizations in a deeper, more intentional way.
In July, Montessori school leaders gathered in Columbia, MD with Dr. Donna Hicks, creator of the Dignity Model and author of Leading with Dignity: How to Create a Culture That Brings Out the Best in People, to explore what dignity looks like in our schools. Drawing on her work with Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela, Dr. Hicks reminded us that “Dignity is the birthright of every human being.” The stories shared were honest, the energy was contagious, and by the end of the day one truth was clear: when we come together, dignity has the power to transform our communities.
Also this summer, leaders from 42 Montessori organizations met to explore how we might work in alignment rather than competition and how dignity could guide that collaboration. Out of that gathering, the United Montessori Committee (UMC) was born, and work is already underway through initiatives for Global Dignity Day (October 16, 2025), book groups, Share & Learn sessions, and a collaborative Resource Platform for educators and families.
Another exciting door is opening for us through Global Dignity, the nonprofit founded in 2005 by philosopher Pekka Himanen, Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, and entrepreneur John Bryant. Today, Global Dignity has ambassadors in more than 80 countries, but none yet in the United States. Montessori leaders within the UMC are exploring how we might bring our shared values of dignity and peace into that global circle.
We’re just getting started, and more ways to learn are on the way. October 16 is Global Dignity Day, an invitation for everyone, everywhere to look beyond what divides us and recognize the dignity and humanity we share. On October 20, the inaugural Dignity Index Summit convenes in Salt Lake City with speakers Tim Shriver and Dr. Donna Hicks. The momentum continues into February 2026, when Dr. Hicks joins us at AMI/USA’s The 2026 Montessori Experience in San Diego. Each of these events is an invitation to learn, to share, and to grow our collective commitment to dignity in Montessori.
Maria Montessori reminded us that honoring the dignity of every child is the foundation for peace. As we walk this path together, we carry forward her vision of a more just and compassionate world.
Written by Kathy Minardi and Carson Smith
